Mouthe: Nature, Trails and Historic Buildings

The source of the Doubs, marshlands and historic buildings give Mouthe several distinct reasons to visit. For planning, different measures are available: the loop at Belvédère de la Source takes about 30 minutes; the Tour du Val de Mouthe is a difficult, 40.1-kilometre loop. There are also winter trail options and precisely dated records of local history. You can shape your stay around whether nature, hiking, winter sports or architectural history is your priority.

Landscape and the Source of the Doubs

The Doubs rises in Mouthe. From Belvédère de la Source, the view stretches across the Mouthe Valley to the river’s first meanders. A constructed path leads to the viewpoint; the loop takes about 30 minutes. The Source du Doubs natural area is one of the natural areas in the Doubs department. Les Seignes is one of Mouthe’s two major peat bogs. At Pré-bois des Bâties, specific management measures aim to preserve or improve its biodiversity; the area is designated an Espace Naturel Sensible (Sensitive Natural Area). Viewpoints, marshlands and nature conservation thus highlight different aspects of the landscape.

Hiking Trails and Routes

The Tour du Val de Mouthe is a difficult 40.1-kilometre loop. It passes through the Risoux Forest and includes the Source du Doubs. From Pontarlier, the route is accessible via the D437 towards Mouthe. For route planning, different details are available: an approximate loop duration at the Belvédère and, for the Tour, its distance, difficulty level and notable features. The GTJ route “Source du Doubs – Chaux-Neuve” is 6.9 kilometres long. These route details help you assess the options mentioned by distance, time and trail character.

Winter and Cross-Country Skiing

Three snowshoeing and/or walking trails start at Chez Liadet. Pécoud Sport in Mouthe offers equipment for cross-country skiing, skating, backcountry skiing, Nordic walking, snowshoeing and ski touring. The Transjurassienne also has a specific connection to the town: it finishes in Mouthe and includes competitions in both classical and skating styles. This means trail options, different equipment categories and a cross-country ski competition all offer distinct ways to enjoy winter here.

Architectural and Local History

The stone Église de l’Assomption dates from the 18th century. Since 16 April 2009, it has been listed in its entirety as a historic monument; it can be visited free of charge year-round. The Pierre de la Dîme is directly opposite. In the Middle Ages, it was used by the seigneurs to collect the tithe owed to the Priory of Mouthe.

The Hôtel de Ville de Mouthe was built in 1849 under Louis-Philippe in the style of a Renaissance château. Since 21 June 1990, it has been included in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The Presbytère at 13 Grande Rue dates from 1753. The town’s history thus reveals different facets: the buildings’ dates and monument status sit alongside the medieval function of the Pierre de la Dîme.

Discover more destinations: Dampierre-les-Bois, La Grange, Châtelblanc, Étalans, Charbonnières-Les-Sapins, Émagny, Fleurey, Malpas

Back to the regional travel guide: Doubs.